Somewhere deep inside, Beneath my titles, My work, My relationships, My words, and If I'm being honest, My own noise ... There is a flame burning. I did not kindle it. It was given as a gift. It was fostered by saints, (and, oddly, some sinners too). I tended to it by Sacrament and Silence (not nearly enough ... yet!) And it has never once been extinguished ... Ever! This is the great, joyful secret of my life (it could be yours too, by the way). God is not far away. The ligh

Have you ever stepped outside Just before sunrise and Right after sunset? What did you notice? The sun, certainly. And the moon, too. But what about them? Each arrived with a unique, and equally Exquisite opening act. Both disappeared with their own Version of a curtain call, too. But in different ways. The sun is bold and generous. It floods the world with deep Confidence, knowing, and purpose. Its setting is a lavish surrender of Molten amber, dusky rose, and slow ceremony

Today is the Feast of Theophany (January 6) when, at the baptism of Christ in the Jordan, the Holy Trinity appeared clearly to humanity. Think about it like this: the Father's voice is heard from Heaven, the Son of God is incarnate, and the Holy Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove (cf. Matthew 3:16-17). As you ponder this glorious event that takes place simultaneously in history and eternity, take the time to learn this simple, new prayer that the Holy Spirit reveals

Stop talking to yourself. And Stop talking to others Who cannot stop Talking about themselves. These are the gods of Your own self-making that Demand you worship them Instead of the one, true God. While there is no doubt that... Self-awareness is vital. Self-respect is necessary. Self-care preserves the life Each was given by God. There comes a point... When self-talk becomes Quite plainly, self-love. And group-talk becomes Quite plainly, group-love. This is narcissism and Fu

I pretend and pretend and pretend To want what others want. But the truth is I don't. I don't care about status or trends I don't care about politics or position. I don't care about nations or businesses. They're all just part of the labyrinthine flight from God. All I want is a simple Liturgy And Eucharist And prayer And thinking about prayer And reading about prayer And writing about prayer And talking about prayer And looking at art that expresses prayer And listening to m

Ways shallow that Weigh down. Panes clouded that Pain all around. Minds confused and Mines that are fused. Traps that are lain and Slaps that remain. Evil sows and Chaos ensues. Humans pursue and Death reaps... The not too few. What is one to do? Eyes closed and Mind still. Breaths deep and Heart open. Acquire the Spirit Who is and Who was And ever shall be the Heavenly King. Comforter Spirit of Truth Breath of God, and Giver of Life. Holy Spirit stained-glass window (Cathedr

Do not despise our feeble petitions In times of trouble. Rescue us from the curses that convulse The wretched lips of our enemies. Born into a world of sin, We struggle to maintain faith within. Teach us to partake of the Mysteries, Giving our all to God. Joachim and Anna Brought you into the Temple They presented you to the Lord, Who entered your womb. Brought up in piety Protected from vanity, You became the Mother of God And Mother to all. Within thy love and compassion, W

The sun is setting in your eyes I can see it on your face. Your head is bowed And your back low. The brightness of your Illumination Is lost in the darkness of your Consternation. Were you not there When the waters of life poured From your head To your soul? Do you not remember When the eternal light Scorched your past And lit a path? Feet of clay are expected Not of heart Not of spirit Not from you. Arise My spiritual child Arise!

How can this be? Pouring Your love into my heart? Filling my mind with Your knowledge? How can You want me before you in prayer? Such a wretched soul Crying for my sin. Rending my garments In a wilderness of my own making. Hiding and Avoiding. Repenting and Hoping? There I am. Helplessly Loving you with all my heart Desiring to fulfill Your will. Daring to be close to You now Imagining life with You for all eternity. Seeking Your face Warming by Your light. "What is this spin

Society screams And people demand. I search for words And nothing is heard. But why try? There was a Word Filled with light. Given in flesh and Lived in love. But ended by blood? Complainers complain And pursuers pursue. I search for the Body And nothing is found. But an empty tomb? There was a Body Filled with light. Given a new life Ascended in love. But alone again? Demons emerge And doubters scheme. I search for help And nothing is seen. But I have to believe? There was a